Republican, Democratic Parties Greet U.S. Jews on Rosh Hashanah

September 14, 1953

WASHINGTON (Sep. 13)

In Rosh Hashanah messages issued to the Jews of American by the Democratic and Republican National Committees, the role played by the Jews of the world in the continuing struggle for peace and freedom and the specific part of the young State of Israel in this drama were underlined this week-end.

The Republican Party’s message, issued by Leonard W. Hall, chairman of the party’s national committee, read:

“On behalf of the Republican National Committee, I send greetings to the Jewish people of America on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the New Year of 5714. When Jews the world over pray for peace, for justice, and for freedom, the people of all peace loving nations join them in fervent hope that their prayers be heeded and that the coming year will witness the beginnings of a more tranquil world. Americans are grateful for the many contributions the Jewish people have made toward our Country’s greatness.

“In the age old struggle for the rights of man and for the freedom of nations, the Jewish people have always played a prominent part. We all hope that the Jewish people who suffered so long from persecution and oppression will see in the coming year the State of Israel progress as a bulwark for enlightenment and peace in conformity with the ancient prophecies.”

The Democratic National Committee statement on the ushering in of the Jewish New Year 5714 read:

“The Democratic National Committee extends its sincere greetings to all persons of the Jewish faith on the occasion of the observance of Rosh Hashanah and the ushering in of the Jewish year 5714.

“We all reflect as the Jews observe these days of special sacredness dedicated to spiritual regeneration while the shofar sounds a call to conscience to arouse man’s innate goodness against selfish and wicked behavior. This introspection, or spiritual inventory, is characteristic of the historic search by Jewry and all mankind for social justice. It recalls the teachings of the prophets who taught that true faith is faith in the human rights of the poor, the oppressed, and the underprivileged–that the goal of life is fair play among the brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God.

“On this occasion we also take note of the inspiring rise of Israel. This state has taken a brave role as a champion of democracy in the ranks of the free world fulfilling the dearest hopes of the Americans who supported it and saw it as a milestone in the struggle for human dignity.”